Barbara Ann “Bunny” Johnson Pileggi peacefully passed away Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at Hospice Family Center. Gilbert, Ariz.
Bunny was the youngest child born in International Falls, Minn., on Aug. 28, 1927, to her beloved Swedish immigrant parents, Johan August Johanson (deceased) and Hulda Katrina Kjallman (deceased) and the only one born in a hospital.
Bunny spent most of her childhood growing up on the family farm with her three sisters and two brothers in Ray, Minn. But, as her parents grew older and their two sons went off to war, the family farm was sold and Bunny and her parents moved back to International Falls.
After the war, Bunny traveled with her sister Genevieve, “a war bride,” to New York, so Gen could start her life with her new husband, Frank. It was on that trip that Bunny met the love of her life, Stephen “Steve” Pileggi, Frank’s younger brother.
Bunny and Steve married a few months later and built their life together in Croton on Hudson, N.Y., raising their family — Bruce (Lee), New York, Rita Yorio (Frank), Arizona, Michael (Liz), New York and Mark (Chris) of Colorado — in the home that Steve built to shelter his family.
Bunny was a full-time, stay-at-home mom and loved her family beyond compare; there was always homemade bread, cakes, pies and cookies to come home to after school.
In 1980, Bunny and Steve moved to the Phoenix area, following their daughter, Rita, and her family.
Bunny and Steve had only shared 48 short years together when he passed in 1994.
Bunny became the matriarch of her family for 18 years, leaving a legacy for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; all knowing how special each one was to her.
She shared the stories of living on a farm in the frigid Minnesota winters, when the blanket on the bed she shared with sister Gen would be frozen to the walls come morning; she shared her sense of humor and laughter, her tears at the loss of Steve, her parents and her brothers and sisters; but most of all she shared her undying love of her family.
Bunny is survived by her four children and their spouses; 11 grandchildren — Morgan, Shiloh, Wyatt, Lia Pileggi and spouses; Kerri, Jason, Mandie Yorio and spouses; Emily, Jacob Pileggi and spouse; Stephanie, Christopher Pileggi and spouse; 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters in law; and numerous nieces and nephews.
We love and miss you Mom, but know you are once more united with your sweetheart in Heaven and in the arms of our Lord (to whom she had more than one conversation).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Hospice Family Center, 1550 S. Alma School Road, Mesa, AZ 85210.
Arrangements entrusted to Queen of Heaven Mortuary.
